Sustainability notes

This is an overview of how the Dutch Fisheries Organisation (DFO) gill net sole fishery scored in assessment against the MSC standard. For the certifiers evaluation please download the full public certification report with detailed information on the performance of this fishery against the criteria of the MSC environmental standard for sustainable fishing.

The fishery scored as follows in assessment against the MSC standard for sustainable fishing. The highest possible score for each principle is 100 and a fishery must score at least 80 against each principle to get certified: 

Sustainability strengths

Some points on which the fishery scored over 90 are outlined below. 

Principle 1: the state of the fish stock

• A long term management plan has reduced fishing mortality for this stock in recent years. The harvest strategy is robust and precautionary, responsive to the state of the stock and designed to achieve stock management objectives. Stock assessments adequately assess the status of the stock, taking uncertainty into account and incorporating ongoing research.
  

Principle 2: the impact of the fishery on the marine environment

• The Dutch Fisheries Organisation fleet has a clear strategy for limiting bycatch, which is being implemented successfully. This gill net fishery is a selective method of fishing catching relatively low levels of other species. Bycatch species that are landed are recorded and counted against quota, where quotas exist. Impacts on the seabed are minimal with this gear type, since it involves lightweight nets brushing the seabed, and using widely spaced anchors.
  

Principle 3: the fishery management systems

• The management system for this fishery, at EU and national levels, is compliant with laws, observes the legal and cultural rights of fishers and includes transparent mechanisms for dispute resolution. Although this is a relatively small fishery, consultation procedures and communication links are strong and effective.
  

Challenges

In order to ensure its continuing sustainable operation this fishery made a commitment to improving its performance where it scored between 60-80. Some of the actions the fishery has committed to are:  

• To develop confidence that the recently agreed rebuilding strategy that is in place for this fishery is effective, the Dutch Fisheries Organisation has committed to re-evaluate the rebuilding strategy within two years and respond with appropriate management. Data on landings for this gear type only will be provided to assessors to better monitor trends in species landings from specific gear types. Additionally, although discarding levels are low for this fishery, discard levels by both species and quantity will be independently assessed through research projects.